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MOUNT CLEMENS/HARRISON TOWNSHIP/CLINTON TOWNSHIP — In the Journal coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates uncontested in their party. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim.
Governor of Michigan
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and six candidates, including a write-in candidate, are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $159,300.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ryan D. Kelley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ralph Rebandt
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Pastor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: ralphrebandtforgovernor.com
Education: B.R.E., M.A.R., M.Div.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No
Top goals: We are in a social and moral crisis. My goal is to bring back our Jude’s-Christian values, and together with truth, transparency, and accountability: ensure constitutional protections; make Michigan an open record state; secure election integrity; provide school choice; reduce taxes and budget; eliminate corporate welfare and reduce government agencies by involving faith based organization’s; and establish a Citizens Round Table.
Republican
Kevin Rinke
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Michigan born and raised. I built my home in Oakland County, was raised in Wayne County and worked in Macomb County.
Online campaign information: https://rinkeformichigan.com/
Education: Bachelor’s in Advertising with a minor in Statistics from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As governor, I aim to make Michigan the best state in America. To do so, we must emulate what other successful states have done. I have called for the elimination of the state income tax by January 1, 2024. I want to create an economic climate that incentivizes businesses and workers to come to Michigan. I want to fix our education system, add vocational training to the common curriculum and get Michigan back on track.
Republican
Garrett Soldano
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
James Craig (Write-in)
Age: 65
Occupation: Served as Chief of Police in Portland, ME; Cincinnati, OH; and Detroit, MI. After eight years as Chief of Police in his hometown of Detroit and 44 years as a dedicated public servant, Craig retired in June 2021. After twenty-eight years with Los Angeles Police Department, the Chief rose through the ranks to Captain Three. 2 1/2 years as a Detroit Police Officer before being laid off.
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Michigan
For how long: Professional experience 44 years
Online campaign information: www.chiefjamescraig.com
Education: Craig graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977, Obtained an undergraduate degree from West Coast University BS in Business and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Public Administration, James Craig, started coursework in a Doctorate program UOP; however, he had to stop the program when appointed Police Chief in the city of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals: James Craig is running for Governor of Michigan with a commitment to fix leadership in state government and institute an effective administration that fosters a collaborative environment to drive the vibrancy of the state’s economy, education, public safety, and communities. I will work to WIN as a write-in candidate.
U.S. House of Representatives District 10
Five candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Huwaida Arraf
Age: 46
Occupation: Civil Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: huwaidaforcongress.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Getting big money out of politics so that we can make this government and economy work for the masses, not just the wealthy, well-connected few. I will fight to keep abortion legal, pass gun safety laws to protect our communities, guarantee health care, create good jobs that pay a living wage, expand social security, provide a quality education to every child, and make corporate polluters pay to clean our air and water.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Circuit Court Judge
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 40 years
Online campaign information: www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985 – 2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2016; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017 – February, 2022
Top goals: We must seriously address the price of gasoline and its affect upon overall inflation. We do this in the short term by authorizing a ceiling on profits that oil companies can make; but we also must move the economy to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy, harvesting the power of sun, wind, tides, and geothermal. We can create good paying union jobs by manufacturing the energy efficient products that will save our environment and provide cheap energy.
Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 52
Occupation: Director of Operations
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.RhondaPowellforCongress.com
Education: MS Community Service, BA in Human Service
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a 4th generation resident of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable people Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, combat climate change, government accountability, protect reproductive and voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but get ahead.Rhonda Powell is a native of the 10th District that will represent the interest of fellow residents.
Democrat
Angela Rogensues
Age: 41
Occupation: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforuscongress.com
Education: Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Health studies and Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Top goals: Angela will fight Republican efforts to limit contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare access. Work to bring good-paying, union manufacturing jobs to the district by rebuilding American supply chains and making more products in Michigan. Angela will also prioritize lowering the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare and expanding benefits to cover vision, hearing, and dental. Stand up to special interests and Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare Benefits.
Democrat
Henry Yanez
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: Website - henryyanezforcongress.com, FB Page - facebook.com/citi zenyanez, Twitter - @CitizenYanez
Education: AAS in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a City Councilman for the City of Sterling Heights. Previously I held the position of State Representative for House District 25, Sterling Heights and Warren, for three terms.
Top goals:
1 – I’ll work for an economy that is fair for everyone by lowering the cost of health care and prescriptions, hold corporations accountable for price gouging during tough economic times and make education more affordable to alleviate student debt.
2 – Affordable healthcare for all is a must, people shouldn’t go bankrupt for getting sick.
3 – Protecting our environment to make sure we leave a healthy, productive planet for future generations.
Republican
John James
Age: 41
Occupation: President, James Group
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, Michigan
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: JohnJamesMI.com
Education: United States Military Academy, BS; University of Michigan, MBA; Pennsylvania State University, MS Supply Chain Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Tackling rising prices, promoting clean water and quality education, repatriating manufacturing.
I will help stop reckless policies in Washington that cause more expensive gas, food and essentials. We must stop relying on foreign goods and bring our critical supply chains back to the U.S. I will prioritize investment in our futures by keeping our water clean and protecting a parent’s right to educate their children where they will be safest and most successful.
Republican
Tony Marcinkewciz
Age: 27
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: tonyformi10.com
Education: Bachelors Of Science in Information Technology Concentrations in Web and Database Development
Minor in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: - Build Back American Small Business
- Lockdown Accountability Hearings
- Stop Inflation
- Lower Gas Prices
- Defund DC
State Senate District 12
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Kevin Hertel
Running unopposed.
Republican
Pamela Hornberger
Age: 54
Occupation: State Representative, Former Educator
Municipality of residence: Chesterfield Twp
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: www.pamelahornberger.com
Education: MS. Ed, Saginaw Valley State University, B.S. Michigan State University, Teacher Certification, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative District #32, 2016-present, L’Anse Creuse Board of Education 2010-2016
Top goals: Inflation, Infrastructure and Education. Our economy is in the gutter. Families are struggling to fill their gas tanks and buy groceries. I will continue working to cut taxes and provide economic relief for families and job providers, as well as champion student and parent’s rights in education. Small businesses provide 75% of MI jobs. Quality education and work ethic in partnership with our small businesses leads to stronger communities and a stronger economy.
Republican
Michael D. Williams
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 61
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Denise Mentzer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Mike Aiello
Age: 66
Occupation: Doctor of Chiropractic
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 20 plus years
Online campaign information: VOTEMIKEAIELLO.COM & Ballotpedia
Education: No answer given
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals:
Roll Back Gas Pump Prices:Open the Pipeines
Grow are Economy:Make Mchigan #1 Manufacturing
Rebuild our Power Grids & Infrastructure: No more Power Outages
Reduce ultilty cost to all households
No to all vaccine mandates
Equal Pay Equal Work: I will draft laws that will not discriminate wages verses gender
Protecting our Seniors: Zero Property taxes after 65
Zero Co-Pays on all prescription drugs
Voter Protection: One Person-One Vote
Republican
Austin Negipe
Age: 35
Occupation: Mortgage Loan Officer
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 28 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelors of Economics from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I strongly believe in the families of our community. I believe in the Bill of Rights and less government intervention. As a father of two young boys, I will help give our children more opportunities for a bright future. More parental input and less junk ideas in our schools. As an expert in business and finance, I will help bring new industries to our community. I love Macomb County and will proudly represent it.
Michigan House of Representatives District 62
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and four candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Michael Brooks
Running unopposed.
Republican
Hilary Dubay
Age: 44
Occupation: Lead Sales Associate, Elite Wedding Co.
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 30+ years
Online campaign information: Dubay4Michigan.com
Education: Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: President, L’Anse Creuse School Board
Top goals: Advocating for children started with my son’s Autism diagnosis. Knowing students deserve the best education, led to my position on the L’Anse Creuse school board. Representing my community for the past 5 years has provided me with insights to issues unique to us. Improving our workforce, infrastructure and our economy needs attention! We need a voice in Lansing that will represent and stand up for us. I am qualified and capable of being that voice.
Republican
Joe Marino
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired Auto Dealer & currently own an automotive consulting firm
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 35 Years
Online campaign information: www.MarinoforMichigan.com
Education: St Peters Catholic, Notre Dame Catholic
Previously and currently held elected offices: Republican Precinct Delegate
Top goals: After spending 40 years in the auto business and running a successful dealership employing over 100 people, I experienced firsthand how important low taxes, controlled spending, and a healthy job environment are for Michigan families and our economy. With inflation raging, record high gas prices, and the economy on the edge, I feel my experience and business expertise give me the necessary qualifications to help get more dollars back in the hands of our taxpayers.
Republican
Alicia St. Germaine
Age: 52
Occupation: AFLAC Insurance Agent
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 33 years
Online campaign information: www.aliciastgermaine.com
Education: Roseville High School graduate and some college
Previously and currently elected offices: None
Top goals: I am not a seasoned politician and don’t pretend to have all the solutions. I will stay true to myself and stand up for what “We the People” actually means. I will support law enforcement, and work to find resources to protect school children without infringing on the Second Amendment. I will support small businesses for a strong economy. I will protect Lake St. Clair’s beauty. Promoting election integrity is also critical in my campaign.
Republican
Rola Zarife
Age: 43
Occupation: Financial Service Industry
Municipality of residence: Fraser, MI
For how long: 10 years, been a Macomb Resident partically my whole life
Online campaign information: voterola.com
Education: Bachelors in Finance from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: One of my top priorities will be to dig into how Lansing spends our tax dollars. With the financial uncertainty, the country and Michigan face, my almost two decades in financial services I feel will help me achieve this goal which will be critical in the coming years. The state’s COVID response was immoral and I would work to ensure no Governor could act in that fashion again.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 8
Four candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Pamela David
Age: 41
Occupation: Special education teacher, Macomb Intermediate School District
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 39 years
Online campaign information: www.Pameladavid.org
Education: Masters of education, Wayne State University (2009); Autism Spectrum Certification; Visually Impared and Blind Certification
Previously and currently held elected offices: Former Vice President, Macomb Intermediate Federation of Teachers Local 2144, Clinton Township Precinct Delegate
Top goals:
1. Investing in community mental health.
2. Protect our Meals on Wheels and senior chores program provided to our seniors and veterans.
3. Supporting our schools and using my experience as a special needs teacher to increase services for early childhood programs.
4. Strengthen public safety and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
5. Invest in our local crumbling infrastructure, including our roads and water.
6. Cleaning up corruption and holding those in power to account.
Democrat
Jason M. Davidson
Age: 43
Occupation: Territory Account Manager and Procurement Specialist
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 27 Years
Online campaign information: No information provided
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: Clintondale Communication Schools Board of Education: 2002-2020
Top goals: Bridging the gap between schools and employers is critical to addressing the growing employment talent shortage in this county, which will impact property values, employment opportunities, and business growth negatively if left unchecked.
I believe there is an employment disparity within the county government (HR) that allows politics to overshadow hiring qualified individuals.
We need equity in the distribution of road funds.
County Business Development funds shouldn’t be utilized to promote officials in the county.
Democrat
Antoinette Wallace
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Democrat
Matt Wojcik
Age: 51
Occupation: Human Resources and Finance for a Detroit Non-Profit
Municipality of residence: Mt Clemens
For how long: 5 years
Online campaign information: facebook.com/WojcikforMacomb
Education: Bachelor’s of Communications, Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals:
1. Roads, infrastructure and transportation issues
2. Environment
3. Jobs and Education
Republican
Lisa Valerio-Nowc
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 9
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Dana Camphous-Peterson
Running unopposed.
Republican
Shannon Peltier
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Linda Burns Torp
Age: 74
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 18 years
Online campaign information: LindaBurnsTorp.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate, 10 years
Top goals: Preserve and protect senior citizen programs and services
Support law enforcement and public safety without raising taxes
Increase and strengthen school security to keep our children safe
Support election integrity to ensure our right to vote in free and fair elections
Work to end sewage overflows to safeguard Lake St Clair and our waterways
Defend the unborn and protect life
Increase transparency to assure clean government
Republican
Barbara Zinner
Age: 70
Occupation: I am now a Macomb County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 43 years
Online campaign information: BarbZinner4MacombCounty.com
Education: MCCC, Shaprio School of Nursing,
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am now a Macomb County Commissioner
Top goals: I want to ensure the Constitutional Values including the 2nd Amendment. We have to secure the family with their needs. We need to continue to stop corruption and use our finances wisely. Our people cannot take any more taxes and need to increase their funds for the future. We have to have law and order for everyone so our society will thrive, be content and have a future of peace.
